3 minute read

Racing and Sports will provide analysis of many games in the 2019 AFL Season.

We'll endeavour to run through the form, incorporate appropriate stats and also supply a betting prediction which won't always just be who will win.

BRISBANE v MELBOURNE

Sunday 30 June @ Gabba

The other fascinating game of the weekend is on Sunday as Melbourne travels north to take on the Lions in Brisbane.

Both teams won last Saturday but in contrasting ways. Admittedly that depended on the standard of their opponents.

Brisbane was in a contest with St Kilda until just before half-time. Then in the third quarter they piled on nine goals to one. It was one way traffic.

The Lions were good, the Saints were totally bereft of life and spirit.

Charlie Cameron couldn't contain himself around goals, the supply was good and the big guys like McInerney and McStay were controlling the skies.

It gives the backline time to assess and conduct led by Hodge and Rich and the midfield time to insert themselves led by Zorko and Neale.

You can see they are a set up that will contend in two years or so with more games into the youngsters, more 'meat on the bones' and more experience as well.

Melbourne on the other hand was an enthralling cast study. Three goals down to a good young team in Fremantle (admittedly at home), they got back then came good up the final furlong.

Rarely has a game been as scrutinised and turned on its head as that of Tom McDonald's. Seen as the reason to hold hope this year by many Demons' fans following Jesse Hogan's departure, he had gone astray.

The same situation held firm to half time. Then the switch was flicked. He began marking it and in the end kicked three, taking seven marks. It was a man reborn.

Melbourne supporters just want to see that again. And they need to see that again too. Perhaps the changes to the coaching set up helped as he looked more like a forward.

He does need help though. Petracca has ability coming out of every part of him but just has to put four quarters together.

The good news was Viney and Brayshaw, two of their midfield that hadn't had as big a year as the previous one, looked much better.

It is not out of the question they can put some games together.

Their next month is Brisbane, Carlton, Western Bulldogs, West Coast (@MCG) and St Kilda before a very tough finish.

A win up north is the start but it has to start somewhere. Happy to think they are capable of winning this if Brisbane is not at their best.

It should be a good game. Either Melbourne win this or they lose by plenty. The Lions are capable of putting a score on the board.

One thing that looks certain is Clayton Oliver will still get plenty of it so back him for good possession numbers.

Match Selection: Brisbane by 41 points or Melbourne by 5 points (sitting on the fence)

Suggested Bet: Clayton Oliver 35+ possession @ $2.80